US teen chooses amputation over pain

A brave Colorado teenager has chosen to have his legs amputated below the knee rather than continue to suffer from the pain he has endured his whole life.

Kaleo Niko, 13, made the decision last month after four major surgeries failed to cure his Arthrogryposis, a congenital disorder that can cause joint contractures, muscular weakness and in some cases extreme pain.

It was severe pain that led Kaleo to his decision to remove his legs after suffering with the condition his whole life.

But following his forth operation to correct a clubbed foot the eighth grader began to change his mind.

"He said. 'I'm done’," Ms Niko said.

"I knew it had to be bad if he was seriously considering amputation," she said.

The Nikos consulted doctors and Olympian Craig DeMartino, a rock climber who lost part of one leg in a climbing accident.

After the procedure that took place on September 3 at Shriners Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, Kaleo told local news outlets that he was now "at peace" because he would be "able to keep up with friends".

"I was really scared at first. And when I woke up I was good," he said.

"It feels really weird because I can wiggle my toes, but I don't have any toes."

Kaleo will return to the hospital at the end of October to be fitted with two new prosthetic legs, just in time for his 14th birthday on October 31.

Kaleo will return to the hospital at the end of October to be fitted with two new prosthetic legs, just in time for his 14th birthday on October 31.